Bibliography: Theme Park Videos

This bibliography covers videos about theme parks, amusement parks, and roller coasters. When possible a link has been provided to Amazon.com where you may check availability and order the video or DVD directly.

America Screams. 1987, Cyclone Productions/Rhino Home Video. Color and B&W, 30 minutes.
A history of the roller coaster, hosted by Vincent Price. Check availability at Amazon.com in VHS.

Awesome Rides. 1994, Simitar Entertainment. Color, 30 minutes.
Children's video that shows a variety of carnival rides and games, a portable roller coaster being assembled, a bumper boat pond being put together,
footage of several coasters and rides at Cedar Point, and a very short segment on the first Ferris wheel.
Tape is recorded in EP mode.
Out of print.

Extreme Rollercoasters. 2003, Madacy Entertainment. Color, 120 minutes.
The title on the actual program menu is Ultimate Rollercoasters and it's somewhat disjointed as it appears to have been edited together from several different shows produced for The Travel Channel. Covers primarily California coasters, at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Goliath, Goliath Jr., X -- with an extended sequence on the ride's design, Colossus, Ninja, Deja Vu, Viper, Batman, Superman the Escape, Riddler's Revenge); Six Flags Marine World (Roar, Medusa, V2); Paramount's Great America (Invertigo, Stealth, Top Gun); Belmont Park (The Giant Dipper); Disney's California Adventure (California Screamin'); Disneyland (Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain); and Bonfante Gardens (Quicksilver Express). There's also coverage of the coasters of Las Vegas, Nevada (Speed, Manhattan Express, High Roller, Desperado, Canyon Blaster). The emphasis is on interviews and information and edited, narrated demonstration of the rides, not complete POV footage.
Check availability at Amazon.com in DVD.

Fisher-Price Terrific Trips: Down on the Farm and A Trip to the Amusement Park. 1992, Goodtimes Home Video. Color, 30 minutes.
Amusement park segment (approximately 14 minutes) follows a group of children around Six Flags Over Georgia.
Out of print.

Here Comes a Roller Coaster. 1994, KidVision. Color, 30 minutes.
Follows a boy and his dad around Six Flags Magic Mountain. For ages 3 to 8. Check availability at Amazon.com in VHS.

How It's Done: From Roller Coasters To Ice Cream. 1995, Video Treasures. Color, 32 minutes.
Shows how a variety of things are made, from pencils to ice cream, with a short segment on roller coasters. Out of Print.

Kidsongs: Ride the Roller Coaster 1990, Together Again Productions. Color, 22 minutes. Directed by Bruce Gowers. The rentlessly perky Kidsong Kids invade Six Flags Magic Mountain in this music video for the preschool set. MTV it's not. There's plenty of ride footage (including cuts of Colossus, Revolution, and Ninja as well as plenty of flat rides, the bumper cars, the dolphin and dive shows, fireworks, and even the food stands), but the disjointed editing doesn't show you anything for very long. Songs include "Let's Twist Again," "Whole Lottta Shaking Goin' On," "Little Deuce Coupe," "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better," "Splish Splash," and several other even more forgettable melodies.
Check availability at Amazon.com in DVD.

The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 1998, Walt Disney Attractions. Color, 20 minutes.
Short film detailing the planning and construction of Animal KingdomMade for sale at the park.

Popular Mechanics for Kids: Rip-Roaring Roller Coasters and All Access to Fun. 2004, Koch Vision. Color, 92 minutes.
Consists of four episodes (each slightly longer than 20 minutes) of the Popular Mechanics for Kids TV series. In Rollercoasters (1997), we visit Six Flags Magic Mountain and learn about coaster physics and how the rides are maintained. Next, in Ticket To Ride (1999) we visit Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and go behind the scenes at Poseidonís Fury, Triceratops Encounter, and The Incredible Hulk roller coaster. Motion sickness is discussed in a trip to La Ronde. In Under The Big Top (1998), we visit Canada's National Circus School, Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, clowns at Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and we learn about juggling. Finally, Behind The Scenes at Big Events (1999) takes us behind the scenes at a Hockey Game, Cirque du Soleil, and WCW Wrestling, and we learn about soundproofing. Check availability at Amazon.com in DVD.

Rollercoaster. 1977, Universal Studios. Color, 119 minutes. Feature film follows a
ride inspector (George Segal) as he attempts to stop an extortionist (Timothy Bottoms) who threatens to blow up
roller coasters unless he is paid ransom. Also stars Henry Fonda, Richard Widmark, Susan Strasberg, and a young Helen Hunt. Written by
Richard Levinson and William Link. Was originally released in "Sensurround," a low frequency sound system that vibrated the
theater at appropriate moments.
Check availability at Amazon.com in DVD.

Safe Fun at the Carnival. 1999, Outdoor Amusement Business Association. Color, 8 minutes.
Aims at teaching children how to stay safe at the carnival or fair.
Availability from the OABA.

Sea World Sensations. 1995, Sea World of Florida. Color, 30 minutes.
Souvenir video tour of the Florida park. Made for sale at the park.

The Secret World of... Amusement Parks. 1999, MPI. Color, Approx. 48 min.
From The Secret World of... cable TV series, a look behind the scenes at
how amusement and theme parks are operated.
Check availability at Amazon.com in VHS.

Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun. 1997, New Wave International. Color, 40 minutes.
Explores the design of roller coasters and simulator rides. Originally designed for 70mm IMAX theaters. Check availability at Amazon.com in VHS
or DVD.

Universal Studios Florida: Experience the Magic of Movies. 1994, Cinescope Enterprises. Color, 60 minutes.
A tour of the park and its attractions. Hosted by John Forsythe.Made for sale at the park.